The 134th edition of Durand Cup will kick off on Wednesday with East Bengal facing South United FC in the midst of the uncertainty over the upcoming top-tier domestic football season.
The action begins against the backdrop of a standoff between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA), which governs the operations and commercial structure of the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL). The MRA expires on December 8. With no breakthrough yet, the future of ISL, scheduled to begin in September, hangs in the balance.
Even as the stalemate continues, Durand Cup has retained its traditional significance. The competition continues to draw a full roster of 24 teams, though only six ISL clubs confirmed their participation this year.
East Bengal looking to make a strong comeback
Wednesday’s spotlight will be on East Bengal. Determined to turn around their fortunes after a lacklustre 2024-25 campaign, where they finished ninth in the ISL, made an early Super Cup exit and bowed out of the AFC Challenge League in the quarterfinals, the Kolkata giants have introduced major changes under Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon.
East Bengal have bolstered their team by signing Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, Argentine defender Kevin Sibille and Palestinian international Mohammed Rashid. They are expecting the new recruits to reclaim the Durand Cup, which they last won 21 years ago. With 16 titles, they remain the second-most successful club in the history of the tournament, behind arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, who clinched their record 17th title in 2023 by defeating East Bengal 1-0 in a nail-biting final.
Reigning ISL champions Mohun Bagan have made headlines by signing Abhishek Singh Tekcham from Punjab FC for a fee of close to Rs 2 crore following Ashique Kuruniyan's departure. Jamshedpur FC have also strengthened their defence by roping in Jestin George, whose breakout season with Gokulam Kerala included a historic Durand Cup win in 2019.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC are in Group E and will fancy their chances with the signing of Spanish winger Jairo Samperio, a Europa League winner. They have also hired the services of Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga, Lalrinzuala Lalbiknia and Chema Núñez for the upcoming season. Having won their first club trophy in the previous edition, Juan Pedro Benali's side will be raring to put their best foot forward. ISL teams have dominated the competition since their inclusion, winning every edition since 2021. They again start as favourites, although fewer top-tier clubs have joined the fray this time.
Stakes higher this time
This year’s Durand Cup retains its 24-team format, split into six groups across five states, including West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur. Kolkata alone will host two groups with 15 matches, including a quarterfinal, a semifinal and the grand finale at Salt Lake Stadium on August 23.
The competition also continues its tradition of welcoming foreign clubs with teams from Malaysia (Malaysian Armed Forces) and Nepal (Tribhuvan Army FC) adding an international flavour. For Kolkata fans, local giants East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting and newly promoted I-League outfit Diamond Harbour FC will make the tournament an exciting affair.
Pertinently, the prize purse has tripled to Rs 3 crore this year. Standout individual performers will be rewarded with three SUVs. This is apart from the team prizes for semi-finalists, quarter-finalists and best performers.
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